US Airline Sector Financial Analysis

Author

Robert, Riccardo, Noberto & Ronak

Published

October 14, 2025

Introduction

This blog explores the financial performance of selected airlines using various financial analysis techniques including time series, cross-sectional, and panel data analysis.

This report provides a detailed comparative financial analysis of three distinct players in the U.S. airline industry: legacy carrier United Airlines (UAL), low-cost carrier JetBlue (JBLU), and regional operator SkyWest (SKW). Utilizing financial data from the beginning of 2020 through the end of fiscal year 2024, this study examines the post-pandemic recovery, financial health, profitability, and operational efficiency of each company. The strategic importance of this analysis lies in understanding the divergent recovery paths and competitive positioning that have emerged in a sector profoundly reshaped by recent global events.

Data Collection

We collected data using Financial Modeling Prep (FMP) API. You can get your free API key by signing up at https://financialmodelingprep.com/developer/docs/pricing/

Liquidity Ratios

Leverage Ratios

Cross-Sectional Analysis of Debt to Asset Ratio in 2024

Efficiency and Profitability Ratios

ROA ROE

Capital Structure Leverage and Common Earnings Leverage

Efficiency Ratios Over Time

Profitability Ratios Over Time